Denver was not all joy and light. On Friday, I was walking to an event with some of my beer friends. One of them wasn't saying much and he looked upset. I asked him if he was okay. "I'm just worried," he said. "The economy." I knew what he meant. We're all worried and frightened.

When I was in Denver I sense a mood of -- finality. That once we all headed for home, well, it might be awhile before we see each other again. The economy is so unsettled. Life feels so --- fragile. The world feels fragile.

But in this dark moment, I hope all of us, separated by miles, will be united in hope and courage. That's what will light the way.

Maureen Ogle

Website of Maureen Ogle, author and historian. Books include Ambitious Brew: The Story of American Beer, In Meat We Trust: An Unexpected History of Carnivore America, and Key West: History of An Island of Dreams.